A much-loved York teenager who was ‘a friend to all’ will be remembered at a memorial concert this week, featuring a performance by his brother.
Peter Woodmansey died suddenly in December 2020 from sepsis, just three weeks after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
He was head boy at Bootham School. Head teacher Chris Jeffery said his at the time that his death had come as an ‘unimaginable blow’ to his family and to his many friends in the school community.
Now the school is hosting the Peter Woodmansey Memorial Concert to remember a young man who was, in the words of a fellow pupil, “everybody’s first friend”.
The many tributes to Peter revealed how, in his short life, he had influenced and inspired so many.
One student wrote: “Peter saw the good in everyone, and was a friend to all.” One of his teachers wrote: “In 20 years of teaching, I have never met a kinder, sweeter, happier boy than Peter.
“He radiated friendliness, warmth and empathy for others.”
Another said: “Peter had a smile as wide as his heart which lit up every room, an inner glow which radiated sweetness and friendliness.”
Loved to sing
The Peter Woodmansey Memorial Concert will take place at Bootham School Meeting Hall at 7pm on Saturday (12 February), and is open to all.
It is described as a special evening of song in memory of Peter, featuring his brother, tenor Andrew Woodmansey.
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Andrew, who like Peter gained a music scholarship at Bootham, is returning to York to be the principal singer in this concert.
He is currently studying for a master’s in performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire where he is recognised as having an exceptional voice.
Peter’s father Michael said: “Peter had a reputation for bursting into song at any opportunity; the songs of Ed Sheeran, Matt Capaldi or Musical Theatre would frequently indicate his presence.
“At home, the return of his siblings would always present an opportunity to sing round the piano. So, what better way to celebrate his life than an evening of song?”